Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- See fee details
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- ctparks.com(860) 345-8521
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park is a park in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region County, about 16 miles west of New London.
The park supports historic sites.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| The park’s wording doesn’t give clock times — see the official wording below. | |||
Official wording
Most weekends: (May-December)
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Park Grounds | Free |
Official wording
Park Grounds Free Train rides additional fee
Connecticut park passes
- Passport to the Parks — free parking for CT-registered vehicles (funded by an $8/yr vehicle registration fee from July 1, 2025). Day-use parking at all CT State Parks and Forests Details
- Out-of-state vehicle season pass — $112. Season parking for out-of-state vehicles (as listed on park fee boxes) Details
From the Connecticut state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Things to do
Historic sites and tours
Accessibility
River Valley Junction Display Area
Steam Train & Riverboat
No ADA access
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
Please visit Essex Steam Train & Riverboat online for trip planning information. Train excursions operated by the Valley Railroad Company.
Getting there
- Address
- 1 Railroad Ave.
Essex, CT 06426 - Nearest town
- New London — about 16 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.3505, -72.4048
- Phone
- (860) 345-8521
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Connecticut State Parks and Forests — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- DEEP 'Find a Park or Forest by Name' list (portal.ct.gov) merged with the ctparks.com ParkFinder search service
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology